Our history
1989 explora
A group of friends who were enthusiastic about unconventional travel and adventure gave life to explora. The idea behind the company was to offer journeys in remote areas of South America that were different because of the experience they provided and their intense interaction with nature and local culture.
1993 explora Patagonia
First came the launch of explora Patagonia, in the extreme south of America. Hotel Salto Chico, the operational center for our explorations in Patagonia, continues to be the only lodge situated in the heart of the Torres del Paine National Park, a world biodiversity reserve.
1998 explora Atacama
We opened explora Atacama. Built in the ayllu de Larache, at an altitude of 2,500 meters (8,200 feet), Hotel de Larache has become the base for exploring the Andean altiplano area, one of the most complex ecosystems in the world.
2005 explora Travesías
This year, we launched our travesías, or nomadic trips, across Chile, Bolivia and Argentina. A couple from the United States became the first two travelers to experience the travesía to Uyuni (Bolivia), the world's biggest salt flat. That same year we began the travesías to Cachi and El Chaltén (Argentina) and one to Rapa Nui.
2007 explora Rapa Nui
This year saw the launch of explora Rapa Nui. With the construction of our Posada de Mike Rapu, we extended explora's invitation to travelers, this time to include exploration of the ocean. This is a remote volcanic island where a mysterious, megalithic culture once flourished, the traces of which are now the subject of research and admiration around the world. That same year we began our explora travesía from Uyuni, a journey which begins in the historic colonial city of Potosí, Bolivia.